There is a growing buzz in The Business Improvement Network about Open Space (or Open Space Technology as some call it despite the typical electronic support comprising just a few laptops to record the proceedings).
So what is Open Space? In the words of the man who created the approach, Harrison Owen, it is "at the very least ... a fast, cheap, and simple way to better, more productive meetings. At a deeper level, it enables people to experience a very different quality of organisation in which self managed work groups are the norm, leadership a constantly shared phenomenon, diversity becomes a resource to be used instead of a problem to be overcome, and personal empowerment a shared experience. It is also fun".
It's certainly fun - and why not? An Open Space gathering has even been described as one big coffee break. But it is a serious business tool for groups of people (from 5 to over 1000) with a common interest in a central important theme.
We think that Open Space will not only open up new dimensions of learning and creativity within the Network, but will also provide, on the bigger stage, a framework within which to have the long overdue discussion about the wide gap between business management and the quality/excellence profession. This is based on the reactions to (and results from) the gatherings held to date (sponsored by organisations including British Standards Institution, Fire Service College, Highways Agency, O2, Orange, Chartered Quality Institute, Royal Mail, Siemens, Highgate School, The Young Foundation, National Endowment for Science Tehnology and the Arts, London Excellence, and UK Atomic Energy Authority).
This page, and the pages you can reach via the photographs, is intended merely to whet the appetite by giving an idea of the look and feel of an Open Space event.
Those who are registered will be getting news of gatherings as they are scheduled. If you'd like to learn more - about, for example, the value of using this approach in-house - contact Jim Wade on 0118 987 5120 or send an email.
So what is Open Space? In the words of the man who created the approach, Harrison Owen, it is "at the very least ... a fast, cheap, and simple way to better, more productive meetings. At a deeper level, it enables people to experience a very different quality of organisation in which self managed work groups are the norm, leadership a constantly shared phenomenon, diversity becomes a resource to be used instead of a problem to be overcome, and personal empowerment a shared experience. It is also fun".
It's certainly fun - and why not? An Open Space gathering has even been described as one big coffee break. But it is a serious business tool for groups of people (from 5 to over 1000) with a common interest in a central important theme.
We think that Open Space will not only open up new dimensions of learning and creativity within the Network, but will also provide, on the bigger stage, a framework within which to have the long overdue discussion about the wide gap between business management and the quality/excellence profession. This is based on the reactions to (and results from) the gatherings held to date (sponsored by organisations including British Standards Institution, Fire Service College, Highways Agency, O2, Orange, Chartered Quality Institute, Royal Mail, Siemens, Highgate School, The Young Foundation, National Endowment for Science Tehnology and the Arts, London Excellence, and UK Atomic Energy Authority).
This page, and the pages you can reach via the photographs, is intended merely to whet the appetite by giving an idea of the look and feel of an Open Space event.
Those who are registered will be getting news of gatherings as they are scheduled. If you'd like to learn more - about, for example, the value of using this approach in-house - contact Jim Wade on 0118 987 5120 or send an email.
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